King Cotton
Women’s fashion depended upon cotton. It required yards and yards of cotton for both under and outer wear. The Southern United States dominated the cotton industry, which was their most lucrative venture. The backbone of this was the use of slave labor.
Slavery and Servitude in Washington
There were many ways that people were able to get help in their businesses, factories, or farms, as well as in the home. Indentured servants, people who were essentially enslaved for a limited period such as seven years, were more common in the 18th century. Indentured servants usually were paying off a debt with their labor for a specified time.
The selectmen of the towns might foster orphaned or needy children with people who were required to care for them until they reached a certain age, upon which time they were freed, generally with two suits of clothing (one for Sunday) and a Bible. These children would be
expected to work for their keep, and could learn a trade in the process. Families also often sent children to work in other families, as a way of providing training away from home.
Finally, there were life-long captive people. There weren’t many moral objections to slavery. Impediments were more economic than moral in the Northeast. Slavery was considered a status
symbol. Many clergymen had slaves, reflecting their standing in their communities. Enslaved people tended to live with the people who owned them, rather than in separate quarters, although a few large northern plantations did exist.
Workers of all types lived with families, and were counted as part of the family. The records of Dr. Warren Fowler suggest that there were many men in Washington who employed people and cared for them. They are referred to as “girl” or “apprentice” or “boy”, or sometimes by their first
names only. Family members, on the other hand, are indicated by their relationship, such as “self”, “wife”, “child”, and so forth.
Enslaved people in Washington are only faintly visible in Church and Census records. Who were they? What were their lives like? The few names we currently have are listed below. Even after slavery ended, the lives of people of African or Native American descent are nearly erased in the public record.
Hannah
Phebe
Jeff Liberty
Phillis Liberty
Bathsheba Liberty
Henrietta Liberty
Betty Cato
Jacob Levoy & Pitt Elke
Ritte
Lina
Caesar (possibly Caesar Clark)
Timothy Oliver & Family
Ben Truman & Family
Collins Fitch
There were never many slaves in Washington. The 1790 census lists six slaves, with an additional eleven “non-white” free people living in the community.. By 1800 there were three slaves, and four “non-white” people. By 1810 there were no slaves at all. There is still much to
learn about these Washingtoncitizens.
The selectmen of the towns might foster orphaned or needy children with people who were required to care for them until they reached a certain age, upon which time they were freed, generally with two suits of clothing (one for Sunday) and a Bible. These children would be
expected to work for their keep, and could learn a trade in the process. Families also often sent children to work in other families, as a way of providing training away from home.
Finally, there were life-long captive people. There weren’t many moral objections to slavery. Impediments were more economic than moral in the Northeast. Slavery was considered a status
symbol. Many clergymen had slaves, reflecting their standing in their communities. Enslaved people tended to live with the people who owned them, rather than in separate quarters, although a few large northern plantations did exist.
Workers of all types lived with families, and were counted as part of the family. The records of Dr. Warren Fowler suggest that there were many men in Washington who employed people and cared for them. They are referred to as “girl” or “apprentice” or “boy”, or sometimes by their first
names only. Family members, on the other hand, are indicated by their relationship, such as “self”, “wife”, “child”, and so forth.
Enslaved people in Washington are only faintly visible in Church and Census records. Who were they? What were their lives like? The few names we currently have are listed below. Even after slavery ended, the lives of people of African or Native American descent are nearly erased in the public record.
Hannah
Phebe
Jeff Liberty
Phillis Liberty
Bathsheba Liberty
Henrietta Liberty
Betty Cato
Jacob Levoy & Pitt Elke
Ritte
Lina
Caesar (possibly Caesar Clark)
Timothy Oliver & Family
Ben Truman & Family
Collins Fitch
There were never many slaves in Washington. The 1790 census lists six slaves, with an additional eleven “non-white” free people living in the community.. By 1800 there were three slaves, and four “non-white” people. By 1810 there were no slaves at all. There is still much to
learn about these Washingtoncitizens.
"I am glad I have enlisted, that I have given up myself for my country and right… Pray for us wherever we are."
- Samuel Jay Nettleton, Jamaica, NY Oct. 22, 1861